Source: Africa Publicity
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, has stated that government is treating the alleged non-consensual recording and circulation of intimate images of Ghanaian women by a Russian national strictly as a criminal cybercrime matter.
Addressing the media in Accra on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 alongside the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Mr. George said, “Let me state clearly from the outset: this matter is being treated strictly as a cybercrime. It is not a moral issue. It is a criminal matter.”
Ghana and Nigeria To Tackle Cybercrime Through Bilateral Cooperation
He cited Section 67 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), explaining that “the non-consensual recording, publication, or dissemination of intimate images where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy constitutes a criminal offence. Consent to a private encounter does not, in law, amount to consent to publication or distribution.”
According to the Minister, preliminary investigations by cybersecurity and law enforcement agencies suggest that the suspect “allegedly recorded private encounters without consent for publication and subsequently monetised the content through online platforms.” He added that the activities reportedly involved charging fees for access and receiving payments through cryptocurrency channels.
Mr. George disclosed that government has initiated steps to trace and secure relevant digital and financial evidence.
Given the transnational dimension of the case, the ministers held a formal meeting with the Russian Ambassador to Ghana, Sergei Berdnikov, to brief him on the status of investigations and formally submit a detailed report through diplomatic channels.
“During our meeting, we reiterated that the government of Prez. John Dramani Mahama is committed to Ghana’s constitutional duty of protecting its citizens and ensuring accountability for crimes committed against them,” Mr. George said.
He noted that the Ambassador acknowledged receipt of the brief and confirmed that it would be transmitted to authorities in Moscow for further consideration. While observing that there is no extradition treaty between Ghana and the Russian Federation, the Ambassador reportedly indicated that the alleged conduct would also constitute a criminal offence under Russian law and assured continued diplomatic engagement.
The Minister further revealed that government has activated cooperation mechanisms with international law enforcement partners, including INTERPOL, as well as relevant immigration, cybersecurity, and financial intelligence agencies.
He stressed that investigations are not limited to the foreign national involved. “Any individual, including Ghanaian nationals, who has shared, rebroadcast, or redistributed the illegal material is also liable under our laws,” he said.
Mr. George cautioned the public against engaging with the content. “We want to use this opportunity to caution the public: do not share, download, circulate, or monetise this illegal content. Doing so constitutes a criminal offence.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment under President John Dramani Mahama to protect victims and pursue justice through all lawful means, both domestically and internationally.
It would be recalled that a viral video recently surfaced showing a Russian man identified as Yaytseslav engaging Ghanaian women mainly around the Accra Mall area, some of whom were later reported to have accompanied him to his hotel.
In a direct message to victims, he announced that “the Gender Children and Social Protection ministry has a victim support desk set up full equipped with clinical professionals to provide all the psychological and emotional support you need. Be assured that all these will be done in confidence.”
Mr. George concluded by assuring the public that further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
